[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Getting an early start on next year we have decided on the dates for the R4/3. So mark your calendars and schedule some time off for March 11 - 14 (Thursday through Sunday).

Because of the huge attendance this year and the expectation of more next we are considering a four-day event with only one class per day. THIS IS NOT YET CARVED IN STONE - ONLY UNDER CONSIDERATION.

We are already planning to make next year even better. Also under consideration is some type of off-site get-together time permitting. Our thinking is that one-class-per-day may give more time for socializing.

Comments welcome.

[RapidRobert]

Mike and Cindy,

Wow! Talk about early planning!

While we recognize that it may be difficult for some folks to commit to four days, we think your idea is excellent!!! The late night Saturday followed by the early Sunday morning was challenging this year.

We also like your idea to expand the socializing opportunities at the R4.

No matter what you decide, though, we'll see you March 11-14.

Are you considering the race order to be: JK, GTC, F1, and then Can-Am?

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Thursday - GTC, Friday - F1, Saturday - Can-Am, Sunday - Spec.

[JerseyJohn]

Yeah man... Get my room ready. LOL!

[Pappy]

John, there has been mention about taking a vote on whether or not to allow you back in Ohio.

I really enjoyed meeting you, John; you're a character and I hope you can make next year.

[Larry Mattingly]

I like the schedule... My only suggestion would be to can JK Spec (is this class even needed any longer in IRRA?), and move GTC to Sunday. Guys who want to leave early can skip a second tier class. Or, flip flop spec and GTC.

Jersey and I both vote for more socialization...

God knows we aint going to make the podium...

LM

[pablo]

Thank God for people who plan ahead. I'm in.

[Pappy]

Great, Pablo You can sail up the Mississippi River then turn right on the Ohio River, take a left at the Great Miami River, and I'll pick you up in Hamilton, OH, and drive you to Columbus.

[pablo]

Or, I could just fly up there and rent a car.

[Pappy]

Sailboat fuel is much cheaper.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

IMHO JK Spec will always be needed. Retro will (and is) suffering some attrition and new blood is needed to replace what we lose. Remember this is all just early thinking.

The reason I put JK Spec last was to give travel time to those who don't race that class. JK Spec seems to be the smallest of the four.

[One_Track_Mind]

Quote

JK Spec seems to be the smallest of the four.

This is only because it was limited to 24 entries.

[pablo]

I will have the best haircut, the best T Shirt, the most tools, the best rental car, the best bourbon, the best best best...

And my rental car will beat Hershman's motorhome in a drag race.

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Here we go again...
Brian, I regrettably limited JK Spec entries to 24 to ensure practice time for others on Friday night. At first JK Spec wasn't even on the schedule. BUT, I felt that it had to be even if at a restricted number of entries. And everyone had equal opportunity to pre-enter. I believe it took just short of three weeks to fill.

But I based my comment on other races that didn't have a limited number of spots. Seems like JK Spec is still the smallest. Wrong???

[Paul Martin]

Mike didn't mention it, but practice for next year's R4/3 has begun! The track has been freshly cleaned and re-glued. On Thursday, Neil Easterday and I managed to break in green, orange, blue, and yellow.

This isn't too early to get started on next year, is it?

[Tom Thumb Hobbies]

Pass on the haircut... any shirt will do... rent a cool ride... bring a fast race car... leave the tools home to make room for more bourbon. MORE, MORE.

Hershman's motor home NO PROBLEM

pablo, on Mar 21 2009, 11:46 PM, said:

I will have the best haircut, the best T Shirt, the most tools, the best rental car, the best bourbon, the best best best...

And my rental car will beat Hershman's motorhome in a drag race.

[pablo]

I have asked many people, "what is a Spec?" Not one person has given me a good answer.

Special? Specific? Specification? Racial slur? I'm sorry, I don't get it. I saw a bus on the street yesterday, it had a big sign on the front, "Special".

Retro, IRRA, D3, Ohio 2010, I get it. Spec??? A spot on my shirt?

[Rick]

JK spec should go away. There has not been a race at rookie level and with Coupes going with hand-out FK motors, it's redundant. The original design did not work out and the hot shoes are entering and winning it. The practice time would be better than a race on Thursday...

With four races, that makes Wednesday practice day and into a five day weekend, IMO it will hurt attendance. Friday, Sat, and Sun good for racing, Thursday for practice...

[Larry Mattingly]

Rick, on Mar 22 2009, 01:12 AM, said:

JK spec should go away. There has not been a race at rookie level and with Coupes going hand-out FK motors, its redundant. The original design did not work out and the hot shoes are entering and winning it. The practice time would be better than a race on Thursday...

With four races, that makes Wednesday practice day and into a 5 day weekend, IMO it will hurt attendance. Friday, Sat and Sun good for racing Thursday Practice...

I supported the JK Spec concept when it was first introduced. I felt it would be a great class for retro newbies to get their feet wet.

However, I don't really see that happening. Ohio Valley is probably the only region that even races a JK class, and I don't think they pull many (any?) true newbies.

The JK race at the recent R$ was made up of pretty much seasoned veterans.

I agree with Rick... If the JK class is not strictly for beginners, it is truly redundant, given the GTC handout FK motor rules.

Just my thoughts...

LM

[One_Track_Mind]

Quote

"What is a spec?"

Hi Pablo,

My belief this means "specific", as you must run a "specific" chassis, motor, and body. All JK Products "specific" items.

Just my two cents worth.

Mileage may vary?